Early Childhood Flourishing as a Foundation for Future Planetary Health: Building Relational, Prosocial and Pro-Planetary Capacities

Planetary health has emerged as a critical framework for understanding the interdependence of human, social and ecological systems in the face of escalating global challenges. While discussions of planetary health have largely focused on policy and systems-level interventions, comparatively little attention has been given to the developmental foundations that shape how future generations will respond to these challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and widening social inequities. This viewpoint highlights that early childhood flourishing represents a critical foundation for planetary health. Drawing on perspectives from early childhood development, relational health and planetary health, we examine how children’s flourishing is shaped by their relationships, environments and opportunities for growth. Recognising flourishing in early childhood as a planetary health concern broadens current understandings of prevention, early intervention and systems change. Supporting flourishing in early life is not only an investment in children’s present wellbeing, but also in the capacities future generations will need to contribute to sustainable futures and respond to planetary challenges.